Tennis
for Stroke Patients
A stroke often leaves one entire side of its victim
paralyzed and/or unable to recognize its very existence.
Called "neglect", this condition is often
reversible through adaptive, creative tennis exercises.
These exercises can be started as soon as the patient
is alert enough to respond to communication, while in
the hospital, gradually increasing in challenge as the
patient regains strength and mobility. Incorporate strength/balance
exercises as soon as possible in addition to all normal
physical therapy core exercises.
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1.
Bean bag progressions (IN BED)
- Toss
and block with hand
- Toss
and catch from front and unaffected
side
- Toss
from "blind" side of patient
who blocks or catches, tosses back*
using unaffected hand
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*Patients
may experience times when catching and releasing
the bean bag is difficult- not to worry- with
patience and gently aiding the fingers through
the
motions this generally improves with repetition. |
Dennis
and Pat in front of a special umpire's chair
presented to him from his Special Olympics friends. |
2.
Balloon progressions (IN WHEELCHAIR)
- Play
balloon volleyball using unaffected hand
- Play
balloon volleyball with junior racket, initially
choking up ½ way
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3.
Foam ball progressions (IN WHEELCHAIR or ANY CHAIR,
INSIDE OR OUTSIDE)
- Toss
foam ball to patient out of the air as a volley
- Toss
foam ball with a bounce to patient's forehand
- Toss
foam ball with a bounce to backhand
- Toss
foam ball in air for overhead
- Show
patient how to bump the ball up and serve
- Rally
with patient very predictably
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Once the patient is able to stand for extended periods
of time, and has enough balance to take some steps,
you can work with a safety belt on court for added
security. At first have the patient stand against
a fence. If the patient can lean against the fence,
he/she will have added confidence to reach for a ball
tossed in close range. As confidence builds, with
someone strong holding onto the safety belt, the patient
can take some steps and move over the net. Start off
close to the net.
Exercises off court need to be maintained and additional
running, leg lift, stationary biking, light arm weights
accelerated as possible. Practicing in a pool facilitates
running. All pool work builds confidence, as buoyancy
aids sense of balance. Most tennis specific exercises
can be practiced in water that comes to waist level.
4. Foam ball progressions (ON COURT)
- Go
through progressions mentioned in #3
- If
movement improves in affected arm, begin showing
modified service toss with "ice cream
cone" motion. (Affected hand probably
has "tone", causing it to clench.
As this improves, practice releasing the ball
and tossing up)
- Serve
from backscratch position, adding backswing
gradually
- Rally
side to side, predictably
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5.
Standard ball progressions (ON COURT)
- Repeat
progressions in #4
- Rally
using graduated length method of starting
up close to the net and gradually moving back
- Play
predictable points
- Add
some challenge to the point play as possible
- Play
controlled doubles
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Some tips that really help in recovery
- Be
patient yet determined
- Set
goals but not timetables
- Keep
your sense of humor
- Find
role models in recovered stroke/accident victims
- Choose
therapists willing to press beyond what's
average
- BELIEVE
IN EVENTUAL RECOVERY
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